13 Going On 30.

I haven't published a blog since May - I was scared. For the past five months I've shied away from anything that could be tinder to even the smallest debate. I mulled over a variety of topics, combing through the possible reactions, ultimately discarding every draft. However, I recently saw a post flying around Instagram stories of a series of women in different phases of life. I reposted one that was two side-by-side illustrations. On the left there stood a young woman and her partner holding a baby. Above this picture read, "an established woman". On the right was a young woman sitting on a counter in an oversized sweater with a glass of wine in one hand and a slice of pizza in the other. This side was captioned, "also an established woman". This picture reminded me of my "13 Going On 30" list that I wrote the day after my 25th birthday. I wrote a "20 Before 25" and enjoyed the accountability offered by my beat up notebook. In the spirit of continuous growth, I made a new list of goals as I travel through the next five years on the road to "thirty, flirty, and thriving".

1. Get Accepted to Grad School:

Super stoked to start my MFA in Creative Writing at Salve Regina University in Newport, RI in January 2021. This has been my dream grad school and my most non-negotiable goal.

2. Get a Passport and Travel Out of the Country:

I've had an expired Pennsylvania ID since May 8th, 2020, finally got a replacement social security card after two years of missing one, and found my lost birth certificate. I'll need some grace getting around to this one.

3. Take Piano Lessons:

Didn't get around to this one on the first list, so I'll try again this time.

4. Go To a Nude Beach:

Any beach is a nude beach if you're brave enough. COVID took a lot from us this year, but it didn't take outdoor activities.

5. Start Investing:

I've done the practice stuff, now it's time to dabble in "real" investing

6. Build New Friendships:

Ya, ya. This one isn't measurable really but I've made friendships this year that I truly cannot see myself losing.

7. Pay Off All School Debt:

Edit** pay off all undergrad debt. This designer private school I chose will keep this goal rolling into my 30's.

8. Watch the Entire Harry Potter Series:

It's long overdue.

9. Read 30 Books:

My reading has slowed down significantly. However, considering my MFA program requires me to read a minimum of two books a month for the next two years, I should successfully complete this one.

10. Run a 5k:

Now I'm just trying to cross stuff off.

11. Do a Polar Bear Plunge:

Annapolis has one every year. Before I commit to that, I need to find the protocols of disinfecting oneself after jumping in the Severn.

12: Get my Real Estate License and Buy a House:

And you can find a 950 square foot home in Annapolis for the low, low price of 400,000, too!

13. Fly Alone:

In August 2019 I got on my first plane -- a 20 before 25 goal. In August 2020, a year from that exact date, I flew back rom Jacksonville, Florida on my own,. I cried the whole way through the airport and swallowed every drowsy drug possible, but I did it. And now I do it monthly.

This year has been a whirlwind of emotions and experiences. The events of this year has me looking forward to what lies ahead -- what will come to fruition in all of us after enduring the trials of 2020. I challenge you all to review your interpretation to what "accomplished" looks like -- one without comparison but instead appreciation for what you're capable of. Take that, and then keep going.